Lions bowl over fundraising record

From left: Torquay Lions vice president Bill Ferguson, Bellbrae firefighters Mick Helps, Nicola Tucker, and Ro Frost, Torquay Captain Phil Campbell and Torquay Lions president John Bell.

THE worst Australian weather has to offer continues to bring out the best in the community, as was seen at the Torquay Bowls Club earlier in the month.

The Torquay Lions annual Bowls Day raised $8,400 for the Bellbrae and Torquay Fire Brigades. An anonymous donation of $500 took the club past their previous Bowls Day record of $7,000.

Torquay Lions Club president John Bell said it was a fantastic outcome, particularly considering the weather could easily have deterred attendees.

“At first we were concerned that the weather conditions on the day would have an adverse effect on income from raffles and silent auctions.

“Full greens at the Torquay Bowls Club saw 120 bowlers begin play in perfect conditions, but the weather deteriorated in the afternoon with almost gale force winds and some rain.”

Champion Blinds were the event sponsors, helping the Lions cover all costs for the day and supplying cash prizes to the winners.

Dozens of local businesses also supported and sponsored the event in various ways.

This also ensured all the money raised to go straight to the fire brigades.

Mr Bell said they had identified how the funds could be best spent in advance.

“We have talked with both brigades’ captains to learn what each needs in the way of support.”

The Bellbrae brigade will likely put the money towards a pump trailer they are looking at purchasing. The Torquay brigade are looking at a variety of items, including hose nozzles specialised for firefighting.